MEDITE SMARTPLY
Brings New Waterford City Landmark to Life

MEDITE SMARTPLY is playing a central role in the
development of a dramatic contemporary roof feature above
Waterford City’s historic apple market. The striking new
canopy combines stainless steel, glass and a mirror-like
underbelly which reflects the animation of the street below.

To create the central mirrored section, which is the visual
focus of the canopy design, MEDITE SMARTPLY worked with their
partner, Decorative Panels, to develop a solution to deliver the
client’s requirements. A reflective laminate was bonded to
panels of the high-performance wood-based panel MEDITE TRICOYA
EXTREME. Having been fabricated and cut to size off-site, the
panels were then fixed to the supporting structure which was
constructed from SMARTPLY OSB, itself manufactured in Waterford
at the MEDITE SMARTPLY factory.

MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME was specified for the application due
to its unique combination of light weight, durability in
external environments - particularly its resistance to water and
fungal decay - and the ease with which it can be handled and
cut. It’s guarantee of 50 years also made it a perfect choice
for a project of such prominence.

Lead architect, Máire Henry, of dhb Architects commented: "We
needed an external weatherproof soffit to which we could fix a
reflective surface. We found that a mirrored laminate bonded to
MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME gave the effect we wanted without the
weight of glass or stainless steel whilst still remaining within
budget. The panel’s resistance to water and harsh external
conditions made it ideal for the task."

Part of wider redevelopment work going on in Ireland’s oldest
city, the Apple Market will provide a flexible outdoor covered
space that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is designed
to help drive footfall to the area and re-energise the entrance
to the retail spine of Waterford City. While creating a dynamic
contemporary feature, the design of the new structure is also
sympathetic to the landmark’s rich history.

"The design had to respect the historical context of the site
but the solution had to be contemporary," continues Máire. "The
reflective surface allows citizens to become actors on the stage
of the Apple Market and is already becoming a popular area for
taking selfies."

Product Manager for MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME, Peter Clifton,
said: "We’re delighted to be contributing to the re-vitalisation
of this space, which is of such importance to Waterford. The
mirror-like reflective surface of the canopy is a fantastic
feature for the area and is helping to create a buzz of
excitement among locals and visitors to the area.

"Most importantly, MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME will not rot when
exposed to the elements and expands minimally in length and
width, even when in contact with water."